The AW169M, which is the military variant of the AW169, is a cutting-edge twin-engine helicopter designed to meet the rigours and demands of modern military operations.
With its exceptional performance and versatile capabilities, this light intermediate helicopter is capable of operating in the harshest environments, day or night, in austere urban settings, as well as in challenging ‘hot and high’ conditions.
The AW169M has been specifically designed to fulfil the demands of the most demanding battlefield missions.
It excels in a diverse range of tasks, such as transporting troops, providing logistical support, conducting surveillance and reconnaissance, executing Special Forces operations, facilitating command and control, facilitating medical and casualty evacuation, conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, and enabling personnel recovery.
Furthermore, its compact size allows it to operate effectively in restricted areas.
The AW169M’s multi-role capabilities are boosted by advanced avionics and systems.
Its integrated glass cockpit, compatible with VFR/IFR NVG for single or dual-pilot operation, minimises pilot workload and enhances external visibility, enabling the crew to focus on the mission at hand.
The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A1 engines, equipped with FADEC, along with the advanced rotor system, deliver exceptional ‘hot and high’ performance.
The spacious cabin, which holds the title of being the biggest in its category, has the capacity to transport a maximum of 10 soldiers and can be modified to fit two stretchers.
Swift access and exit are facilitated by the sizable sliding doors, which also support activities like hoisting and rappelling/fast roping operations.
The versatile interior can be quickly rearranged to accommodate various mission requirements and role-specific equipment such as insertion/extraction tools, crew-served weapons, and mission consoles.
The AW169M can be customised with a wide range of equipment, sensors, and weapon systems to provide outstanding mission flexibility for battlefield operations.
Options include military communications, radar, an electro-optic/Infra-Red (EO/IR) device, a searchlight, loudspeakers, a rescue hoist, and a cargo hook.
Internal weapons include a 12.7 mm machine gun or two pintle-mounted 7.62 mm machine guns.
External weapon options include machine guns, guided or unguided rockets, and air-to-ground missiles.
The AW169M boasts an extensive range of safety and survivability features, such as the possibility to install an advanced, scalable Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS).
Moreover, the main gearbox has a certified dry-run capability of 33 minutes, and there is an option for ballistic protection for the cockpit and cabin.
Additionally, the self-sealing tanks enhance the aircraft’s survivability and crashworthiness.
Variants
AW169
Overall designation for type.
AW169 AAS
Designation for militarised variant proposed for the Armed Aerial Scout program (cancelled)
AW169M
(Multirole)
Designation for multirole variant UH-169A, ordered by Italian Guardia di Finanza
AW169MA
(Multirole Advanced)
Designation for militarised variant UH-169 LUH for the Italian Army, with adaptations for troop transport, utility support, maritime patrol, armed reconnaissance and close air support operations.
Specifications
Crew
1 or 2
Capacity
8 to 12 passengers,
+
250 kg (551 lbs) baggage and cargo.
Or
1 stretcher,
+
7 medical attendants.
Or
2 stretchers,
+
5 medical attendants
Length
14.645 m (48 ft 1 in)
Width
2.530 m (8 ft 4 in) Horizontal stab 3.205 m
Height
4.50 m (15 ft 0 in)
Gross weight
2,850 kg (6,283 lb)
Max take-off weight
4,800 kg (10,582 lb)
Powerplant
2 × Pratt & Whitney PW210A turboshaft with FADEC
(735 kW, 1,000 shp class each)
Main rotor diameter
12.12 m (39 ft 9 in)
Performance
Maximum speed
306 km/h (190 mph, 165 kn)
Never exceed speed
306 km/h (190 mph, 165 kn) Power on with both engines operative
